Different states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational consumption. However, this is not the case in most states where marijuana is illegal, and any possession, intake, or merchandise is illegal. However, legalization is a debate not leaving parliaments of most states in the united states. For instance, state legislatures around the country, notably in the Northeast, are publicly considering legalizing, and many other states, like Florida and Arizona, may expand through ballot initiatives. Legalization is supported by the vast majority of Democratic presidential contenders. In addition, polls regularly show that the majority of Americans favor legalizing cannabis.
Moreover, more states are considered to contend for marijuana legalization in the coming years. States such as New York, Florida, and Arizona. Especially as politicians and activists become more skeptical of mass imprisonment and the drug war, the legalization of a substance that a few believe is particularly damaging, if at all, is often regarded as an easy — and popular — place to begin changing criminal justice and drug policy. Therefore marijuana legalization is bound to happen soon for more states. Moreover, you can check out sweet leaf marijuana and get to learn more about cannabis.
Listed below are some of the reasons marijuana should be legalized.
- Value for liberty
Adults who use cannabis should not be punished in a society that cherishes liberty. Cannabis is considerably safer than alcohol, cigarettes, and many pharmaceuticals. The government should not be ripping families apart for a plant that is safer than alcohol in a country committed to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- It brings in the required revenue
Restriction squanders public funds, but legalizing and taxing cannabis generates much-needed money. According to the Congressional Research Service, substituting cannabis illegality with taxation and regulation would generate only $6.8 billion in excise taxes. For instance, Cannabis sales taxes brought in $600 million in Washington State in 2020.
- Arresting cannabis offenders diverts police attention away from more serious crimes.
The FBI recorded 663,367 cannabis arrests and citations in 2019 – more than all serious offenses combined. Meanwhile, according to FBI data, police only solved 33% of assaults and rape, 31% of thefts, and 14% of burglaries by making an arrest. On the other hand, data released in Police Quarterly revealed that a higher percentage of certain crimes were solved in both Colorado and Washington following legalization.
- It is safer than alcohol
Cannabis is less hazardous than alcohol, has a lower potential for addiction, and is less likely to lead to significant medical issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50,000 Americans die each year due to the health consequences of chronic alcohol drinking, with an additional 2,200 deaths due to acute overdose. Cannabis has never been proved to cause an increase in mortality, and there has never been a confirmed cannabis overdose fatality in history. Therefore, it makes no sense for the legislation to direct customers toward the more hazardous drug.
- The restriction is harmful to the environment
Illegal cannabis producers occasionally use prohibited chemicals, divert rivers, and dump hazardous trash in state and national parks. Cannabis companies that are regulated are monitored to verify that they conform with zoning and environmental regulations.
In conclusion, legalization will do a state more good than harm.
